Fayzabad history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city is rooted in deep antiquity, when the settlement was known by the name Jauz Gun, which translates as "place of walnuts." Fayzabad received its modern name in the late 17th century, around 1698. This event is connected to a significant historical and spiritual episode: a sacred relic—the Cloak of the Prophet Muhammad—was brought to the city. In honour of this event, the city was renamed the "Abode of Grace" (Fayzabad). Although the relic was later moved to Kandahar, the city retained its status as an important spiritual and administrative centre.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the city was defined by several strategic factors that turned it into the heart of Badakhshan province within the territory of the modern state of Afghanistan:

• Geography: The city is situated on the right bank of the rushing Kokcha River, surrounded by the picturesque mountains of the Pamirs and the Hindu Kush. The natural protection of the mountains and access to water made this location ideal for a fortified settlement.
• Trade Routes: Branches of the Great Silk Road passed through this region, connecting India, China, and Central Asia. Fayzabad served as a vital transit point for caravans overcoming the difficult mountain passes.
• Political Significance: For centuries, the city served as the winter residence of the local rulers (Mirs) of Badakhshan, which facilitated the concentration of power and resources in this location.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Fayzabad was based on the region's mineral wealth. Badakhshan has been famous since ancient times for the mining of rare lapis lazuli, which was valued throughout the world—from Egypt to China. The trade in precious stones, as well as wool and livestock, contributed to the prosperity of local merchants.

Culturally, the city formed as a meeting point for various traditions. Thanks to its location, Persian and Turkic influences blended here, creating a unique atmosphere of hospitality and craftsmanship that is preserved in local traditions to this day.

Chronology of Key Events

The city's history is filled with periods of prosperity, dramatic changes, and revival. Below are the important milestones in the development of this administrative centre.

• 1698: The ancient settlement of Jauz Gun is renamed Fayzabad following the arrival of a sacred relic—the Cloak of the Prophet Muhammad.
• 1768: By order of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the sacred relic is ceremoniously transported from the city to Kandahar, where it remains to this day.
• 1821: The city suffers serious destruction and temporary decline as a result of a military campaign by the ruler of Kunduz, Murad Beg.
• 1866: Governor Faiz Mohammad Khan initiates a large-scale city restoration programme, reviving it as a regional hub.
• 1880: Afghanistan, under the rule of Emir Abdur Rahman, consolidates the city's administrative status as the capital of Badakhshan province.
• Late 19th Century: The city becomes a significant point on the maps of European and Russian expeditions exploring the Pamir mountain systems.
• 1960s: Construction and opening of the local airport, enabling regular air connections with Kabul.
• 1970s: Modernisation of the ring road, improving Badakhshan's trade links with the neighbouring provinces of Takhar and Kunduz.
• 2000s: Implementation of infrastructure projects, including the construction of new reinforced concrete bridges across the Kokcha River.
• 2010s: Commissioning of small hydroelectric power plants in the vicinity to provide the city with stable electricity.

Stages of City Formation and Development

The city's development was non-linear: periods of flourishing alternated with times of quiet, yet each stage left its mark on the architecture and way of life. Fayzabad took shape as a vital node where the region's trade and cultural interests intersected.

• Acquiring Spiritual Status (Late 17th Century). The arrival of the sacred relic (the Prophet's Cloak) radically changed the settlement's destiny. From an ordinary village, the city turned into a significant religious centre, which attracted pilgrims, stimulated the construction of mosques, and contributed to the growth of the permanent population.
• The Great Reconstruction (Second Half of the 19th Century). After a period of destruction, the city was practically rebuilt from scratch. During this time, the foundation of the modern urban layout was laid: new quarters, fortifications, and public buildings appeared, restoring its status as the administrative capital of Badakhshan within the state of Afghanistan.
• Emergence as a Trade Hub. Thanks to its location on the route of caravans coming from India and China, a powerful trade infrastructure formed in the city. The construction of caravanserais and the expansion of bazaars allowed the city to become the main market for the famous Badakhshan lapis lazuli, wool, and handicrafts.
• Opening of Air Links (Mid-20th Century). The construction of the airport was a turning point for the isolated mountain region. Regular flights established a fast connection with Kabul, which accelerated the exchange of goods and specialists, significantly reducing dependence on the seasonal passability of mountain passes.
• Engineering Mastery of the Kokcha River. The erection of reliable bridges across the turbulent Kokcha River was critical for urban planning. This allowed the city to develop on both banks, improved logistics within the province, and simplified access to markets for residents of surrounding villages.
• Energy Modernisation (Early 21st Century). The launch of small hydropower projects was an important step towards the city's autonomy. The appearance of a stable source of electricity gave impetus to the development of small businesses, workshops, and the improvement of living conditions for citizens.

Architectural Appearance and Town Planning

The urban structure of Fayzabad is dictated by the complex mountainous terrain and the rushing Kokcha River, which divides the settlement into parts. Architecture here developed not according to the canons of European styles, but as a response to harsh climatic conditions and the need for defence. The city represents a picturesque amphitheatre: buildings rise in steps up the mountain slopes, creating a unique visual rhythm characteristic of Central Asian mountain settlements.

Traditional Architecture and Historical Eras

In the region's architecture, it is difficult to distinguish clear periods like Baroque or Classicism. Instead, development proceeded through the evolution of local building techniques and materials adapted to life in Afghanistan.

• Era of Traditional Earthen Architecture (17th–19th Centuries). The main style of the old city is vernacular (folk) architecture. Houses were built from pakhsa (beaten clay) and unbaked brick on stone foundations. A characteristic feature is flat roofs reinforced with wooden poplar beams, which serve as additional living space in the warm season. Thick walls maintain heat perfectly in winter and keep the interior cool in summer.
• Period of Administrative Revival (Late 19th – Early 20th Century). After the restoration of the city by the governors of Badakhshan, a more regular layout of the central quarters began to form. During this period, the structure of traditional eastern bazaars and caravanserais—enclosed courtyards with galleries designed for trade and the rest of travellers—was consolidated.
• Functional Modernism (From the Mid-20th Century). With the arrival of modern technologies, buildings made of fired brick and concrete began to appear in the city. This style is characterised by simplicity of form and utility. A striking example of engineering thought from this time were the bridges across the Kokcha River, connecting disparate parts of the city into a single transport network.

Iconic Districts and Urban Elements

The appearance of the city is formed not by individual monumental palaces, but by cohesive neighbourhoods and infrastructure objects integrated into the landscape.

• Old City. Located on the right bank of the river. Narrow winding streets have been preserved here, where house walls hang over passers-by, creating shade. This is the heart of commercial life with numerous shops and workshops.
• Shahr-e-Nau (New City). A district formed in more recent times. Here the streets are wider, and the development includes administrative buildings, schools, and hospitals, executed in a more modern, restrained style.
• Kokcha River Embankment. The natural axis of the city. Along the banks, teahouses (chaikhanas) and public spaces are concentrated, where small architectural forms (gazebos, terraces) harmonise with the power of the mountain stream.

Distinguished Personalities of Fayzabad

The history of the city is inextricably linked with the fates of rulers, poets, and thinkers who not only shaped the appearance of this land but also influenced the course of the entire country's history. Below are key figures whose lives and activities are intertwined with the chronicle of the city of Fayzabad.

• Mir Yar Beg (17th–18th Centuries)
  Ruler of Badakhshan, founder of the modern city
  A key figure in the history of the region. It was he who restored the ancient settlement of Jauz Gun in 1698 and gave it a new name. Mir Yar Beg brought the sacred relic—the Prophet's Cloak—to the city, which turned the settlement into an important spiritual centre. His rule laid the foundations for the city's administrative status as the regional capital.
• Makhfi Badakhshi (1876–1963)
  Poetess, educator
  One of the most famous persons in the literary history of the region. She spent most of her life in Fayzabad, where she created her lyrical works in the Persian language (Dari). Despite a secluded lifestyle, her work became the voice of the women of the East, and her home in Fayzabad was a centre of attraction for intellectuals of that time.
• Faiz Mohammad Khan (19th Century)
  Governor, urban planner
  Played a decisive role in the revival of the city after the devastating wars of the 19th century. Appointed governor in 1866, he initiated a large-scale reconstruction programme: under him, bazaars were restored, and new fortifications and public buildings were constructed, returning life and commercial significance to the city.
• Muhammad Tahir Badakhshi (1933–1979)
  Political figure, philosopher, writer
  A native of Fayzabad who became a prominent public figure on a national scale. Known as a thinker who advocated for the cultural equality of the peoples inhabiting Afghanistan. His ideas and works had a significant influence on the formation of political thought in the country in the mid-20th century.
• Burhanuddin Rabbani (1940–2011)
  Statesman, President (1992–1996), theologian
  Born in the vicinity of Fayzabad (Yaftal district) and received his primary education here. A professor of theology and leader of the "Jamiat-e-Islami" party, he became the first president of the country in the post-communist period. His figure remains one of the most significant in the modern history of the state.